Contact Information: Krina Lee (503) 364-2933 News Release Embargoed until: 1:45 pm February 14, 2014

Seventh grade student from Walker Middle School takes top prize in Why I Love Oregon Essay Contest
Salem, Ore., Feb. 14, 2014
The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation surprised the first place winner of the "Why I Love Oregon" essay contest in their classroom with a Valentine's Day party to commemorate the traditional day of love and friendship, and Oregon's state birthday. Jackson Caito, a student in Ms. Lisa Hughes 7th grade literacy class at Walker Middle School earned the party for his classroom for submitting the winning essay. "The foundation received a total of 23 essays submitted from seven middle schools," said Krina Lee, Executive Director. "The essays were outstanding, ranging from research and persuasion style to very poetic statements of their love for our great state." The top three essays as scored by our readers are: 3rd place: Taylor Paluska, 6 Grade, Leslie Middle School, Teacher: Mrs. Jan Veit; Title: Traveling Oregon 2nd place: Eric Martz, 6 Grade, Leslie Middle School, Teacher: Ms. Jan Veit; Title: Why I Love Oregon 1st place Jackson Caito, 7 Grade, Walker Middle School, Mrs. Hughes; Title: Oregon Jackson, an Oregonian for only six months captured the magnificence of Salem with all of his senses. He wrote, One of the things I like best about Oregon has to be the parks because I feel like they emphasize the beauty and dignity of Oregon. He describes unfortunate incidents with hungry seagulls that were overcome by Hobbit Trail hikes, Oregons redwoods, mountains and abundance of fruit. He ends his essay describing Oregon as majestic and dignified. In addition to his certificate, a party for his classmates, Jackson also received an Oregon College Savings Plan Account in the amount of $529. The Why I Love Oregon essay contest provides student writers with the opportunity to share their opinions in a real and authentic way to an audience beyond the classroom. It gives them a chance to test the power of words and to witness the impact their writing can have on others. Winning essays are included and can be found at www.skeducationfoundation.org All of the essays will be on display at the First Annual Must See Oregon Conference on May 17 at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton. .
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About the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation is a catalyst for enhancing the education of Salem-Keizer school students by providing resources for creative and innovative programs and materials, educating and mobilizing the community, and sustaining collaborative partnerships that support its goals. www.skeducationfoundation.org About The Oregon College Savings Plan The Oregon College Savings Plan, which is part of the Oregon 529 College Savings Network, launched in January 2001 and has grown to more than $900 million in assets. An account can be opened for as little as $25. For more information about the Oregon College Savings Plan, its investment options and how to enroll, visit www.OregonCollegeSavings.com . About Must See Oregon Must See Oregon is the ultimate showcase of Oregon destinations and attractions. Oregonians can come to one central location and discover the vast array of options for travel, excursions and extended vacations within our state. http://mustseeor.com/

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